The YLD ReviewThe State Bar of Georgia - Lawyers Serving the Public and the Justice System

Volume 48, Issue 4 Young Lawyers Division Fall 2007

By Deidra Sanderson

On June 15, 2007, at the Tournament Players Club in Ponte Vedra, Florida, the Young Lawyers Division and the Lawyers Foundation of Georgia joined forces to present a black tie gala dinner to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Young Lawyers Division, “Celebrating Sixty Years of Service,” an evening honoring YLD Presidents Since 1947.

“It is fitting that the charity of choice for Georgia lawyers would join with the largest group of lawyer volunteers, the YLD, to celebrate their 60th anniversary,” said Linda Klein.

The LFG Fellows Dinner and the YLD Dinner usually take place on the same night during the State Bar of Georgia’s Annual Meeting, but combining the two events this year allowed for an evening at an unforgettable location for the groups to meet or reconnect with each other, providing a foundation from which to build upon in the future.

Three hundred attendees arrived at the majestic new 77,000 square-foot Mediterranean Revival style clubhouse at TPC to the sounds of live bagpipes played from the balcony. The evening was dedicated to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the YLD by honoring the YLD Past Presidents, many of whom were in attendance:

Charles J. Driebe, 1963-1964W. G. Elliott, 1964-1965Matthew H. Patton, 1970-1971Robert M. Brinson, 1973-1974A. James Elliott, 1976-1977James A. Pannell, 1979-1980

YLD: 60 years young and going strong!

Richard T. de Mayo, 1982-1983William D. Barwick, 1984-1985John C. Sammon, 1987-1988Donna G. Barwick, 1988-1989

Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and were treated to a display of YLD memorabilia representing the history of the organization in its sixty years of existence. Newsletters dating back to the very first edition (Fall 1961), ABA Awards of Achievement, scrapbooks, and numerous photographs were displayed, along with a DVD photo montage of YLD Past Presidents which played continuously throughout the evening on four large screen monitors.

The Ross Adams Award was given for the first time this year to a lawyer personifying the exemplary service and great qualities of this late YLD President. Robin and Paige Adams, wife and daughter

Dana B. Miles, 1989-1990Stanley G. Brading, Jr., 1990-1991Rachel K. Iverson, 1993-1994Tina Shadix Roddenbery, 1994-1995J. Henry Walker, 1996-1997Joseph W. Dent, 1999-2000Peter J. Daughtery, 2001-2002Derek J. White, 2002-2003Laurel Payne Landon, 2004-2005Damon E. Elmore, 2005-2006

of Ross, attended the dinner and were on stage along with YLD Past Presidents Damon Elmore and Tina Shadix Roddenbery to present the award to Ross’ close friend Joe Dent, YLD President 1999-2000, who was both surprised and moved by the honor.

“I thought the event was well planned and appropriately honored the YLD and its past presidents,” Dent said. “I was particularly caught by surprise when I was awarded the Ross J. Adams Award. What an honor to receive an award that memorializes Ross Adams and his commitment to the YLD and the State Bar of Georgia.”

The 2007-2008 YLD Officers were then sworn-in by Justice George H. Carley. “In the very elegant setting at the TPC Clubhouse, it was special to be part of the tradition of hearing Justice Carley swear in the YLD Officers and

“It was wonderful to celebrate the 60th birthday

of the YLD with so many former presidents of the YLD and friends present

at such a magnificent place as TPC.” - Jon Pope

A gathering of YLD past presidents: (first row, L-R) Rachel Iverson, Tina Shadix Roddenberry, Laurel Payne Landon; (second row, L-R) Richard de Mayo, Bill Barwick, Donna Barwick, Stan Brading, Jim Pannell; (third row, L-R) Chuck Driebe, Matt Patton, Henry Walker; (fourth row, L-R) Gus Elliott, John Sammon, Dana Miles; (back) Bob Brinson.

Continued on page 4

“As the oldest living Young Lawyer, it was great fun to see all the old codgers. The

displays and The YLD Review brought back many memories.

We should do this more often: looking forward to the 70th

anniversary.” - Chuck Driebe

Inside this issue:From the President 2

Litigation Committee 2

Lessons I’ve Learned 3

2008 Leadership Academy 3

YLD Earns ABA Awards 3

60th Anniversary Tribute Gifts 4

Annual Meeting Scenes 5

YLD Award Recipients 5

YLD Officer Profiles 6

Aspiring Youth Committee 6

YLD Summer Meeting 7

Celebration of Excellence 7

MIPC Initiative 7

Editor’s Block 8

The YLD Review�

New year brings new initiativesBy Elena Kaplan

From thePresident

In my inaugural article for the YLD Newsletter, I first want to take this opportunity to thank all of my fellow YLD Members for entrusting me with the office of President. I look forward to working with you over the next year and will do my best to live up to the trust you have placed in me. I also want to share with you a few initiatives that will be started or expanded this year.• Needs Analysis and Long Range Planning

The YLD is, of course, a membership organization, and as such, it must both identify and meet the needs of its members. In addition, as the “service arm” of the State Bar of Georgia, the YLD is a vehicle through which lawyers (of any age) throughout the state may provide service to the profession and service to the public. The YLD committees that oversee this work and the projects the committees perform vary from year to year, as the YLD evolves in response to the changing needs and interests of its membership.

However, there has never been a formal process for determining the gamut of these changing needs and desires. So, this year, we will be joining many of our sister YLD organizations across the country when we conduct a comprehensive Needs Analysis in preparation for preparing and implementing a Long Range Plan. Carl Varnedoe, a YLD Member from Macon, has agreed to lead this very important project.• Local YLDs

The YLD is also keenly interested in the development of local YLDs throughout Georgia. To this end, the YLD has been active in helping its members form and grow local YLDs. I am excited to say that the DeKalb County YLD was recently revitalized and there are currently two new local YLDs in the works -- one in Valdosta and one in Northwest Georgia.

This year, two YLD Members will be heading up the effort to promote and assist local YLDs: Tonya Boga, who practices in Marietta, and Cristen Freeman, who currently resides in New Orleans, but calls Macon home. In addition

to helping fledgling local YLDs, they will also be organizing programs of interest to local YLD leadership at the YLD’s Spring Meeting (April 11-13, 2008 at Sandestin, FL). If you are interested in starting a local YLD, they would be more than happy to help you. They can be contacted at: boga@belawgroup.com (Tonya Boga) and cristenfreeman@cox.net (Cristen Freeman).• American Bar Association Young Lawyers

DivisionThe YLD, as an affiliate of the American Bar Association’s

Young Lawyers Division (the “ABA/YLD”), sends delegates to the ABA/YLD’s four annual meetings. These meetings provide useful training and project ideas for those who serve in leadership roles with the YLD. In addition, there are numerous leadership opportunities within the ABA/YLD itself (not to mention the incredible national networking opportunity involvement provides). You can find out more information about the ABA/YLD, its meetings, and leadership opportunities at www.abanet.org/yld. If you think you might be interested in attending an ABA/YLD meeting or getting involved with the ABA/YLD, you can contact our ABA/YLD Coordinator, James Freeman, at jmfreeman@cox.net.• ‘Big Bar’ involvement

In addition to your involvement and input regarding the YLD, I’d also like to encourage your involvement and input in regards to the “Big Bar” (i.e., all aspects of the State Bar of Georgia other than the YLD). As President of the YLD, I, along with Josh Bell, YLD President-Elect, and Jon Pope, YLD Immediate Past President, serve as your representatives on the 14 member Executive Committee of the State Bar of Georgia. So, to the extent you would like to learn about the Big Bar, become involved in some aspect of the Big Bar, or have any concerns or comments about the Big Bar, please feel free to contact one of us.

To reach YLD President Elena Kaplan, email ekaplan@phrd.com or call 404-880-4741.

Benefitting H.E.R.O. for Children www.heroforchildren.org

Friday, January 11, 2008 (8pm- midnight)Paris on Ponce’s “Le Moulin Rouge” in Atlanta

$100 per ticket until November 30, 2007 ($125 beginning December 1)

Ticket price includes food, beverages, “fake gambling,” valet parking, and silent auction

Host Committee: $150 per ticket until November 30, 2007- includes VIP cocktail reception pre-event

7pm - 8pm and listing in program

Black Tie Optional

Please contact Deidra Sanderson, YLD Director for tickets and Host Committee information

at deidra@gabar.org or (404) 527-8778

2nd Annual YLD Signature Fundraiser /Casino Night

2nd Annual YLD Signature Fundraiser /Casino Night

Become involved with the YLD:

Committee information, meeting dates, locations and registration information can be found online at: www.gabar.org/young_lawyers_division/

On July 12, 2007, the YLD Litigation Committee held its Summer Happy Hour at TAP in Midtown, an event which was well attended. The purpose of the event was to recognize and otherwise

show the committee’s appreciation to those members who dedicated their time and energy on the many projects which were successfully completed by the Litigation Committee during the 2006-2007 Bar year. These regular Happy Hours are the events that won the First Place Single Project Award for Service to the Bar from the ABA in 2006-2007.

Litigation Committee honors service with Summer Happy HourBy Edward McAfee

The Committee presented outgoing Co-Chair Scott Masterson with a plaque and gift certificate for his many years of tireless service to the Committee. Edward McAfee was introduced as the incoming Co-Chair of the Committee. McAfee and Shane Mayes will serve as the Committee’s Co-Chairs for the 2007-2008 Bar year and look forward to another successful year. Those interested in becoming members of the Litigation Committee are encouraged to contact Shane Mayes at tsmayes@mijs.com or Edward McAfee at emcafee@carlockcopeland.com

Summer Happy Hour: (front, L-R) Damon Elmore, Deidra Sanderson, Stephanie Kirijan; (back, L-R) Scott Masterson, Edward McAfee, Josh Bell.

Shayne Mayes (L) presents plaque to outgoing Co-Chair Scott Masterson.

The YLD Review �

Lessons I’ve learned from the bench

I am sure that not all of these, perhaps none, are original, but, for me at least, they are all true:

• Half of life is showing up. Showing up, even if you’re late, even if you’re unprepared, even if you’re not wearing the right shoes, is almost always better than not showing up at all.

• The number one reason women don’t win elections is that they don’t run.

• Know that there is no case so good that it cannot be lost. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

• No good deed goes unpunished. Do good deeds anyway.

• Many people mistake kindness for weakness. Be kind anyway.

• Never give up the right of rebuttal, your chance to have the last word, but be sure that you say something that helps your case.

• When you are writing anything, especially email, consider whether you would like this read out loud in court.

• Happiness is a habit. Work to be happy every day by having high ambitions but lower requirements and expectations.

• If you reduce your fee, the client never appreciates it.

• If you don’t have the time to do it right, where will you find the time to do it over?

• You are only as good as the worst person who works for you. Hire good people. Always check references.

• Before you criticize a person, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, when you criticize him, you will be a mile away, and you will have his shoes.

• In most things desired, if you don’t ask, you won’t get. Ask for things you don’t expect to get, especially rulings on evidence where the trial judge has almost absolute discretion. But be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.

• You will learn much more from your failures than from your successes. But be sure to learn from your failures, don’t do the same thing, the same way, again and expect a different result.

• Don’t send out any letter or document without proofreading it first and having another person proofread and spell check it. That way, when errors are later detected, you will have someone to share the blame.

*** The election of Anne Elizabeth Barnes as Chief Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals was historic. For the first time, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Georgia are both under the leadership of women.

Prior to assuming her post as Chief Judge, Barnes, a DeKalb County native, practiced law in Savannah and Atlanta. She was sworn into the Court of Appeals in 1999 and was unanimously elected Chief Judge Nov. 21, 2006. In addition to her judicial duties, Barnes serves on the Board of Forever Family (formerly Aid to Children of Imprisoned Mothers), the Operating Board of the Commerce Club of Atlanta and is a frequent lecturer and panelist for legal education programs. Barnes is a member of the Leadership Atlanta class of 2006. ***

By Chief Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes

The YLD Leadership Academy began its second year with approximately 50 participants from around the state. The Leadership Academy meets once a month for six months and is modeled after leadership-training programs for young business, civic and community leaders; however the Leadership Academy is unique because it focuses on training its members to serve as leaders within the legal community as well as within their local communities. Each month’s session is on a different topic and brings the participants together with leaders from the State Bar, the judiciary, the public interest sector, law schools, and the political arena to discuss different issues facing young lawyers today.

Additionally, participants visited both The Richard B. Russell Federal Building, home to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and the State Judicial Building. At the Russell Federal Building, participants mingled with judges and received an extensive tour of the courthouse and a demonstration of the technology available. At the State Judicial building, participants received a tour of the Court of Appeals courtroom and the Supreme Court courtroom, and met with Judges John Ellington and Debra Bernes. Further, participants had the opportunity to receive CLE credit for a session on the ethics of representing a pro bono client and were able to interact with and ask questions of superior court judges regarding how to handle difficult situations that arise in the practice of law.

Applications for the 2008 Leadership Academy class are due December 7, 2007. Email Deidra Sanderson for an application at Deidra@gabar.org. The 2008 Leadership Academy class’s first session will be in January, 2008.

2008 Leadership Academy accepting applicationsBy Sharri Edenfield

ABA lauds YLD with multiple awardsThe State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers

Division was recognized during the American Bar Association’s Annual Meeting on August 11, 2007, in San Francisco, CA. The ABA/YLD’s annual Awards of Achievement Program provides young lawyer organizations affiliated with the ABA/YLD the opportunity to submit their best projects for evaluation and recognition by a jury of their peers. This program is designed to encourage project development by recognizing the time, effort and skills expended by young lawyer organizations in implementing public service and bar service projects in their communities. Additional recognition is given to minority attorney involvement projects and affiliate newsletter programs.

Attending on behalf of the Georgia YLD at the Awards Presentation were YLD President-Elect Josh Bell, YLD Director Deidra Sanderson, and Executive Council members Cristen Freeman and James Freeman.

For the 2006-2007 Bar year, the Georgia YLD received the following awards:

2nd Place Comprehensive- Overall YLD, Division IA

1st Place Single Project- Service to the Bar (First Annual Networking Mixer for New Admittees and 3Ls)

Special Recognition Single Project- Service to the Public (Mardi Gras Casino Night)

Special Recognition Minority Project (“If You Can See It, You Can Be It” School Project)

Certificate of Performance- Newsletter (The YLD Review)

Congratulations to the YLD Officers of 2006-2007: Jonathan Pope, President; Elena Kaplan, President-Elect; Josh Bell, Treasurer; Amy Howell, Secretary; Stephanie Kirijan and Stacy Silverstone, Newsletter Editors

Thanks to Executive Council members Jeff Daxe and Terri Gordon, and YLD Director Deidra Sanderson for preparing the Award of Achievement Application!

Josh Bell, YLD President-Elect, accepting an award on behalf of the State Bar of Georgia YLD from ABA/YLD Immediate Past President Jay Ray.

The YLD Review�

see his continued enthusiastic support for the Mock Trial Competition,” said Avarita Hanson.

Bill Barwick gave a toast celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the YLD, the LFG, and the evening: “In toasting the YLD on its 60th Anniversary, I recalled the fond days of my youth

at the Sheraton Savannah on Wilmington Island, or the “Sheraton Gomorrah” as we liked to call it. The poolside elections, where there were always more offices than candidates, and where the ballots were seldom counted, were social rather than adversarial occasions. But more importantly, I reminded those present that while the State Bar had elected but one woman president, the YLD had elected eight. Where the State Bar had elected no African-Americans president, the YLD had done so twice. Atlanta YLD officers alternated with outside Atlanta candidates every other year. Big firm lawyers coexisted with small or solo shop lawyers, and plaintiffs lawyers got along with their defense brethren. The State Bar could learn a lot from its youth.”

The YLD would like to thank the Lawyers Foundation of Georgia for helping to make the 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner and unforgettable evening.

1947-1948: Harry S. Baxter Kilpatrick Stockton LLP

1949-1950: Griffin B. Bell King & Spalding

1953-1954: Kirk M. McAlpin Kirk M. McAlpin, Jr.

1955-1956: Kenneth M. Henson Kenneth M. Henson, Jr.

1956-1957: Frank C. Jones Jones, Cork & Miller, LLP

1961-1962: Harry C. Howard King & Spalding

1967-1968: Robert L. Steed King & Spalding

1970-1971: Matthew H. Patton Kilpatrick Stockton LLP

1974-1975: R. William Ide, III McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP

1977-1978: Charles T. Lester, Jr. Sutherland Asbill & Brennan, LLP

1978-1979: Theodore M. Hester King & Spalding

1979-1980: James L. Pannell Oliver Maner & Gray LLP

1980-1981: W. Terence Walsh Alston & Bird

60th Anniversary Tribute Gifts Honoring YLD Past Presidents

1983-1984: Walter H. Bush, Jr. Schiff Hardin

1984-1985: William D. Barwick Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan

1988-1989: Donna G. Barwick Mellon Personal Wealth Management

1990-1991: Stanley G. Brading, Jr. Miller & Martin

1991-1992: Leland M. Malchow Nimmons & Malchow

1993-1994: Rachel K. Iverson Morris Manning & Martin

1994-1995: Tina Shadix Roddenbery Kidd & Vaughan

1996-1997: J. Henry Walker A T & T

1999-2000: Joseph W. Dent Watson, Spence, Lowe & Chambless, LLP

2000-2001: S. Kendall Butterworth Kilpatrick Stockton A T & T

2001-2002: Peter J. Daughtery Daughtery Crawford Fuller & Brown LLP

2004-2005: Laurel Payne Landon Kilpatrick Stockton

PlatinumThe Georgia FundSunTrust Bank Legal Specialty Group SilverAT&TMinnesota MutualBrown GalloCoca-Cola

BronzeMauldin & JenkinsCushman & Wakefield

$1000 and more:

$999 and less:1964-1965: W. G. Elliott Elliott, Blackburn, Barnes & Gooding, P.C.

1973-1974: Robert M. Brinson Brinson, Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis LLP

1987-1988: John C. Sammon McCurdy & Candler, LLC

1989-1990: Dana B. Miles Miles, McGoff & Moore, LLC

Gifts in Honor of all YLD Past Presidents:David FarnhamMichael GeoffroyCharlie LesterAdam MaloneTina Shadix Roddenbery

Corporate Sponsors for the Lawyers Foundation of Georgia:

Deana and Josh Bell (YLD President-Elect), with YLD Director Deidra Sanderson, display the original drawing of Georgia Bulldog mascot “Uga with Gavel,” drawn by a local high school mock trial student. The Bells were the winning bidders in the live auction.

YLD Past President (1999-2000) Joe Dent, recipient of the Ross Adams Award.

Stephen and Jane Goldner (at left) view the impressive golf memorabilia on display at the TPC during the 60th Anniversary Dinner. Their son, Andy Goldner (at right, with David Adams), received the Young Lawyer Ethics and Professionalism Award during the dinner.

YLD/LFG Dinner ...Continued from page 1

Kelli White and Derek White, YLD Past President (2002-2003).

Bill Barwick, 1984-1985 YLD President, toasts the YLD’s 60th Anniversary.

The YLD Review �

Young Lawyers Division Awards Recipients• Award of Achievement for

Outstanding Service to the Public

Shiriki Cavitt Co-Chair of the YLD Community Service Projects Committee

Terri Gordon Co-Chair of the YLD Community Service Projects Committee

Ari E. Mathe Co-Chair of YLD’s Juvenile Law Committee

Lea Thompson Co-Chair of YLD’s Juvenile Law Committee

• Award of Achievement for Outstanding Service to the Profession

Derek Bauer Chair of YLD’s Intrastate Moot Court Competition Committee

Elizabeth L. Fite Chair of YLD’s Appellate Admissions Ceremony Committee

Stacy Rieke Leadership in High School Mock Trial

Tania Trumble Leadership in High School Mock Trial

• Award of Achievement for Outstanding Service to the Bar

Mawuli M. Malcolm Davis Co-Chair of YLD’s Minorities in the Profession Committee

Stephinie Petties Co-Chair of YLD’s Minorities in the Profession Committee

T. Shane Mayes Co-Chair of YLD’s Litigation Committee

Scott Masterson Co-Chair of YLD’s Litigation Committee

• Award of Achievement for Outstanding Service to the YLD

Stephanie Kirijan Officer on the Executive Council of the YLD and Co-Editor of the YLD Review

Jill Muvdi Coordinator for the State Bar of Georgia Fee Arbitration Department

Sharon “Sharri” Edenfield Co-Chair of YLD’s Leadership Academy

Scott Masterson

The Savannah Young Lawyers Division

• Distinguished Judicial Service Award

Chief Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes, Georgia Court of Appeals

Judge John J. Ellington, Georgia Court of Appeals Three time recipient of this honor (Judge of the Year 2007)

• Young Lawyer Ethics and Professionalism Award

Andrew Goldner

• Ross Adams Award

Joe Dent

• Special Recognition

Justice George H. Carley, Supreme Court of Georgia, honored for his role in swearing in the YLD officers for the past 15 years as well as his support of the High School Mock Trial.

Jeff Daxe finishes the YLD/LFG 5K Fun Run.

YLD President Elena Kaplan (L) with Laurel Payne Landon, YLD Past President (2004-2005).

Golf tournament, first place team: Charlie Tanksley, Jay W. Cook, Robin Frazer Clark and Seth Kirschenbaum, congratulated by Deidra Sanderson.

Jason Alloy, Josh Bell and Farrah Alcorn at the YLD Pool Party and Executive Committee meeting.

AnnualAnnualScenesScenes

MeetingMeeting

from the YLDfrom the YLD

Matt Reeves accepts an award on behalf of the Gwinnett County Bar Association from 2006-2007 State Bar of Georgia President Jay Cook.

Newly sworn in YLD President Elena Kaplan with her parents, Stephanie Brundage and Ken Harkins.

State Bar President Gerald Edenfield with his children (L-R) Kristie Edenfield, YLD Board member Sharri Edenfield and Gerry Edenfield.

The YLD Review�

President: Elena Kaplan practices taxation, corporate governance, employee benefits and estate planning with Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs, LLP. She received her J.D., suma cum laude, from American University, her L.L.M. in Taxation from

the University of Florida and her bachelor’s from the University of Virginia, where she studied costume design and historic preservation. Elena has been actively involved in YLD since 1999 when she chaired the Community Service Projects Committee. In 2005 and 2006 she was named a Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine.

President Elect: Joshua C. Bell received his bachelor’s degree, a Master’s in Public Administration and his law degree from the University of Georgia. Josh is a partner in the law firm of Kirbo, Kendrick & Bell, LLC in Bainbridge.

He also serves as Municipal Court Judge for Cairo, Climax, Bainbridge and Whigham and Assistant Magistrate Judge for Grady County. In 2006/2007, Josh served as YLD Treasurer.

Treasurer: Amy Howell is the Director of Legal Services for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. She received her B.A. from Connecticut College and her J.D. from Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law. Previously, Amy

was an Assistant Public Defender with the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit in the DeKalb County Juvenile Court. Amy also previously served as the Managing Attorney for the Southern Juvenile Defender Center at Emory School of Law. In 2006/2007, Amy served as Secretary of YLD.

Secretary: Michael Geoffroy represents the Telrite Corp. in Covington. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and received his law degree from the University of Georgia Law School in 2001. He is also Attorney Liaison for the Rockdale

County Truancy Intervention Program and Treasurer Emeritus of the Human Fund of Georgia.

Immediate Past President: Jonathan A. Pope graduated from The Citadel in 1992 and received his law degree from Georgia State University in 1995. Jon is a name partner at Hasty, Pope & Ball, LLP, which has offices in Canton and

Gainesville. In 2004, Georgia Trend magazine named Jon one of its “40 Under 40.” He was also named a “Rising Star” in Georgia Trend’s October 2006 edition.

YLD Review Co-Editor: Stephanie Kirijan is a Senior Staff Attorney at Georgia Power. She previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit and as the District Attorney’s public information

officer. Stephanie has been a media consultant and fundraiser for several statewide political campaigns. She served the Governor of Georgia as deputy press secretary and the Georgia Secretary of State as public information officer. Stephanie graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Georgia and received a law degree from Georgia State University School of Law.

YLD Review Co-Editor: Curtis Romig is a member of the Business Litigation and Arbitration practice group with Powell Goldstein LLP. His career includes litigation experience in retail, healthcare, manufacturing and utilities to name

a few. Before joining with Powell Goldstein, Curtis clerked in the Norfolk Division of the Eastern District of Virginia for United States District Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr.

YLD Officer Bios Executive Council 2007-08

Board of Directors: Jason Alloy, Atlanta Tonya Boga, Marietta Shiriki Cavitt, Atlanta Jeff Daxe, Marietta Sharri Edenfield, Statesboro Cristen Freeman, New Orleans James Freeman, New Orleans Terri Gordon, Atlanta Colin Kelly, Atlanta

Scott Masterson, Atlanta Shane Mayes, Marietta Sherry Neal, Atlanta Jon Pannell, Savannah Jason Pedigo, Savannah Susannah Pedigo, Savannah Matt Reeves, Lawrenceville Carl Varnedoe, Macon

District Representatives:Northern District2006-2008 Robert Bozeman, Decatur Jennifer Jordan, AtlantaRyan Prescott, MariettaDarrell Sutton, MariettaPete Werdesheim, Atlanta2007-2009Jennifer Blackburn, AtlantaNicole Iannarone, AtlantaMatt Reeves, LawrencevilleAndrew Roper, CedartownRebecca Vandiver, Atlanta

Members-at-Large2007-2008 Amy Averill, Atlanta Russell C. Ford, AtlantaElizabeth Garvish, AtlantaAndy Goldner, AtlantaJonathan Kesler, CantonCharlene Swartz Marino, AtlantaWhitney Mauk, AtlantaTy Morrison, AtlantaSuzanne Osborne, AtlantaNita Passyn, AtlantaJeff Rusbridge, CantonKiesha Storey, Gainesville

Middle District2006-2008John Baker, AthensBilly Merck, AthensWilliam Noland, Macon2007-2009 Jeremy Attaway, MaconWendy Boston, MaconJay Crowe, Albany Matt Eutzler, ValdostaBlake Sharpton, Macon Luanne Smith, Valdosta

Southern District2006-2008Brian Dennison, SavannahStephen Lowry, SavannahJay Roberts, Brunswick2007-2009Patrick Connell, SavannahRindi Harbeson, ThomsonRobert C. Hughes III, SavannahBen Perkins, SavannahHelen Bacon, Savannah

Out of StateNicole Habl, Jacksonville, FLCristen Freeman, New Orleans, LA

The Aspiring Youth Program Committee of the Young Lawyers Division is excited about the upcoming school year and is actively seeking volunteers for the Aspiring Youth program. The AYPC seeks to inspire students through programs designed to expose the participating students to the variety of career opportunities available.

The program meets with the students twice a week for five weeks. Each session is divided into three 45-minute intervals.The first interval consists solely of recreation. This may involve playing basketball, football or some other activity with the students. The second segment is a planned activity such as the students creating skits or a speaker discussing his/her career. Lastly, the students complete their homework or are tutored by a volunteer.

Volunteers can participate in just one session during the five-week program, or as many sessions as they would like. These students need strong role models.

Donations are also needed as many of the students do not have basic school supplies such as pencils, paper or notebooks. The AYPC would like to provide them with these essential tools.

Please contact Courtney Beasley (courtneydbeasley@yahoo.com) or Kristy Byrd (KByrd@kilpatrickstockton.com) to get involved with this meaningful program.

Volunteer role models soughtBy Kristy Byrd and Courtney Beasley

The YLD Review �

While the overall number of lawyers appears to be increasing, the number of minorities entering law schools around the United States is plummeting. There is a poignant reality that minority membership in the legal profession falls significantly below the percentage of the number of lawyers overall.

The YLD Minorities in the Profession Committee (MIPC) believes that a Bar that reflects the racial and ethnic makeup of society is essential, and has committed its efforts to enlarging the pool of minority students that can envision a legal career as an attainable goal. MIPC undertook a massive effort to encourage elementary students to aspire to become attorneys entitled, “If You Can See It, You Can Be It: School Project.” The project, which was designed and introduced to the committee by 2006-2007 MIPC Co-Chair Mawuli Davis and committee member Marquetta Bryan, stemmed from the disturbing fact that in the 2005-2006 Bar year, African-Americans represented only 6.5% of all law students, a decrease from the previous year.

The project, was a collaborative effort between MIPC, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA), the Gate City Bar Association, and Georgia Association of African American Attorneys (GAAA) and ran from May 14 – 18, 2007. It resulted in over 30 minority attorneys and law students training over 1,200 elementary students in the Atlanta metropolitan area regarding the skills that must be developed in order for them to become successful attorneys. The goal of the project was to expose a large number of young people to attorneys and law students who shared their ethnic, racial, or cultural backgrounds, and to enable the students to envision themselves becoming attorneys one day. The project targeted 4th and 5th graders in Fulton County and Atlanta area schools since those grades are crucial times in a child’s educational development.

A one hour “activated learning” presentation regarding the practice of law included relevant vocabulary and legal concepts that the students would use in everyday life. The attorneys and law students talked with the students after the presentation with the objective of increasing appreciation for the effect that attorneys have on day-to-day living, particularly outside of the criminal context, and the necessity for minority lawyers.

The program received wonderful feedback from the schools and attorneys that participated and received a Special Recognition Award from the ABA/YLD for the 2006-2007 Minority Project. Davis and Bryan are preparing for the 2007-2008 project with the goal of expanding the number of schools visited, increasing the number of participating attorneys, increasing the grade levels that receive presentations, and increasing the number of students reached. Sponsorships are needed to provide the students with the most memorable experience possible. For more information about volunteer or sponsorship opportunities for this project, please contact Mawuli Davis at mdavis@mawulidavis.com or Marquetta Bryan at marquetta_j_bryan@hud.gov.

On June 13, 2007 the 15th annual Celebration of Excellence honored 388 foster youth who were graduating from high school or a GED program and 11 college graduates at the Ferst Center for the Arts at the Georgia Institute of Technology. An impressive $92,500 in Excellence in Education scholarships were awarded.

The Celebration of Excellence is an annual statewide graduation event and scholarship program that recognizes the academic achievements of youth who have grown up in Georgia’s foster care system and who have graduated from high school, a GED program, vocational school, or college. Youth who grow up in foster care face many educational challenges. They change foster care placements and schools often -- sometimes in the middle of the school year. A study by Child Welfare League of America suggests that it takes a child from four to six months to recover academically from the disruption of changing schools. Other studies have found that children living in foster care are twice as likely as the rest of the school population to drop out of school before graduation.

Donnie Olajuwon, former foster youth and Cum Laude graduate of Georgia State University emceed the event. Governor and Mrs. Perdue provided words of congratulations and encouragement to the students. Bernice Butler, former foster youth, 2006 graduate of Georgia State University, and current graduate student in the Master of Public Administration program at the University of Georgia, delivered an inspirational message to the audience, and the Inner Harbour EXCEL African Drum Ensemble rocked the house during the ceremony and throughout the reception.

Ms. Mary Dean Harvey, Director of the Division of Family and Children Services presided over the recognition of the graduates, calling each student’s name as s/he crossed the stage to receive a certificate of recognition and a gift bag presented by YLD Juvenile Law Committee Co-Chairs Ari Mathé and Lea Thompson. After the ceremony, Raving Brands restaurants - Moe’s, Shane’s Rib Shack, and Doc Greens - provided a feast to satisfy a wide variety of tastes.

In honor of the 15th anniversary of the event, a special scholarship was awarded to the Celebration of Excellence founders, a former DeKalb County Case Manager, Aundria Cheever, and a former DeKalb County Child Advocate Attorney and YLD Juvenile Law Committee Member , Dorothy Murphy.

The event became an official project of the State Bar’s Young Lawyers Division Juvenile Law Committee and has grown over the last 15 years through a partnership with the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children, the Division of Family and Children’s Services Independent Living Program, hundreds of financial supporters, and hundreds of volunteers.

The members of the Juvenile Law Committee would like to offer special thanks and congratulations to the hard working Celebration of Excellence Volunteer Committee and to the Celebration of Excellence Project Director, Susan Allison from Catalyst for Care.

By Beth Reimels

15th annual Celebration of Excellencerecognizes foster care children

By Marquetta J. Bryan

‘If You Can See It, You Can Be It’

YLD members enjoy Hilton Head Luau

Ty Morrison, YLD Treasurer Amy Howell and YLD President Elena Kaplan at the Luau Dinner

Guests at Friday night’s Luau Dinner cheer on their favorite crab during “Crab Races for Charity”

The YLD held its first meeting for the 2007-2008 Bar year in Hilton Head, SC at The Inn at Harbour Town inside the Sea Pines Resort. The meeting, sponsored by Capstone Financial Management, officially kicked off Friday afternoon with a Luau Dinner at the Beach Club. During cocktails, a special event titled “Crab Races for Charity” was held where attendees were divided into teams and assigned one of thirteen “specially marked” hermit crabs that raced from the inside to the outside of a table. YLD members were assured that no hermit crab was harmed during the races! After a Polynesian-themed buffet, the group enjoyed a bonfire on the beach and cooked s’mores for dessert.

Saturday morning began with a breakfast buffet and the Committee Chair Roundtable and Q & A Session led by Shiriki Cavitt, Co-Chair of the YLD Community Service Projects Committee. A one hour CLE featuring Past YLD President Donna Barwick titled “Enhancing Your Practice Through Professional Involvement: The American Bar Association and the Advantages of Being Under 36.” The Business Meeting/General Session followed the CLE, and then the afternoon was free to participate in one of the planned activities (golf, family friendly activity, or shopping excursion) or just relax by the pool or beach. Saturday evening offered an optional group dinner at Topsiders at Harbourtown, and the group returned home on Sunday from a fun and successful Summer Meeting.

Stephanie Kirijan, EditorCurtis Romig, EditorDeidra F. Sanderson, Associate EditorThe YLD Review104 Marietta Street, NWSuite 100Atlanta, GA 30303

You’ve come a long way baby! An update on women in the profession.By Stephanie Kirijan

Editor’sBlock

Nonprofit OrganizationUS Postage Paid

Atlanta, GAPermit No. 1447

As we continue to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Young Lawyers Division, it is important to recognize how the legal community has changed over time. One of the most notable changes is the role of women. In the earliest editions of the YLS newsletter, women were not present. When women finally appeared in a 1964 edition, they were affectionately captioned as “wives.” But times have changed: of the 30,589 active members of the State Bar of Georgia, 9,991 are women. The YLD membership is also evolving; close to half of its members are women.

To understand how significant those numbers are, we must look at how and when women were admitted to the State Bar of Georgia. Although one of the topics at the 1912 Georgia Bar annual session was “The Admission of Women to the Bar,” the first woman allowed to practice law in the state was not admitted until August 21, 1916. Five years after Minnie Hale Daniel graduated from law school, she succeeded in changing the civil code which only allowed men to practice law, resulting in her application to the Bar finally being approved.

During the 1920s, women continued to make their mark on the Georgia legal community. In 1922, Viola Ross Napier became the first female attorney to argue a case before the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. That same year, women attended meetings of the Atlanta Bar Association for the first time. In 1928, Minnie Hale Daniel again made her mark on the legal community when she and 18 others founded the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers.

Today, women make up almost half of all law students, but in the 1940s, some of the pioneers of our profession were denied admission by schools based on their gender. Despite being turned away by Harvard law school because of her gender, Judge Phyllis A. Kravitch went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and made history in 1979 when she was appointed the first woman U.S. Circuit Judge in the southeast, and only the third in the country. Even when women were accepted to law school and admitted to the Bar, they could not always find jobs. Judge Kravitch was unable to find employment as a lawyer after her graduation from law school. Because of the absence of opportunities for women in established law firms, Georgia Supreme Court Justice Carol W. Hunstein started her career in private practice.

In 1971, two Georgia lawyers, Dorothy Toth Beasley and Margie Pitts Hames, argued opposing sides of Doe v. Bolton before the U.S. Supreme Court, in what is believed to be the first case before the Supreme Court in which both sides were argued by women. Thirteen years later, Dorothy Toth Beasley was appointed as the first woman to serve on the Georgia Court of Appeals, serving as Chief Judge in 1995. She left her legacy chiseled into the motto on the Court’s marble walls when she had the words “and women” added. The motto now reads, “Upon the integrity, wisdom and independence of the judiciary depend the sacred rights of free men and women.”

Chief Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes became the second woman to serve on the Court of Appeals when she won election in 1998. Upon her appointment in 1999, Judge M. Yvette Miller became the first African-American woman to serve on the Court of Appeals. When Judge Debra Bernes took office in 2005 it became possible, for the first time in Georgia history, to have a panel of all female judges at the Court of Appeals.

It was not until eight years after the first woman was appointed to the Georgia Court of Appeals that the Georgia Supreme Court had its first female Justice. In 1992, two women were appointed to the Georgia Supreme Court. First was Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, who was the first African-American woman and the youngest person ever to serve on Georgia’s Supreme Court. Later that same year, Presiding Justice Carol W. Hunstein was also appointed to the Supreme Court.

Now, women serve simultaneously as leaders of both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals for the first time in Georgia history. Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears is the first woman to hold the prestigious title of Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court. When Chief Judge Anne Barnes was selected for the position of Chief Judge earlier this year, she became the second woman to serve in this capacity.

Women in the profession today owe a great deal to those who came before us and paved the way for the opportunities we now have. As women in the profession continue to reach for the top positions, we can take advice from Justice Sandra Day O’Connor who, when asked what women should do in order to succeed in the practice of law, answered, “Do the very best job you can.”

Women’s Achievements in the State Bar and YLD:

• Gail Lione Massee elected Secretary of YLD. (1978)

• Donna G. Barwick, first female President of the YLD. (1988)

• All YLD officer positions held by women (1992-1993. The first and only time this has occurred.) Women served as President from 1992-1996 consecutively.

• Linda A. Klein, first female President of the State Bar. (1998)